Man Sentenced to Death for Burning Wife Over Skin Color

A man has been sentenced to death for the horrific act of burning his wife alive, motivated by ongoing humiliation over her skin color. The court in Udaipur, India, ruled against Kishandas, whose actions were described as a “crime against humanity” by District Judge Rahul Choudhary.

The case revolves around the tragic death of Lakshmi, who was subjected to constant taunts from her husband due to her dark complexion. Reports indicate that Kishandas would routinely demean Lakshmi, calling her “kali,” which translates to “dark-skinned.” The brutal incident occurred on the night of June 24, 2017, when Kishandas allegedly brought a bottle containing a brown liquid, claiming it was a medicine to lighten her skin tone.

Details of the Crime

In a shocking act, Kishandas applied the liquid to Lakshmi’s body before setting her on fire with an incense stick. Witnesses reported that he poured the remaining liquid on her as she burned, after which he fled the scene. Lakshmi’s parents and sister discovered her suffering and rushed her to the hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

Judge Choudhary characterized the murder as falling within the “rarest of the rare” category and expressed that it reflects a deep societal issue surrounding colorism in India. In his statement, he emphasized, “It will not be an exaggeration to say that this heart-rending brutal crime was not just against Lakshmi, but it’s a crime against humanity.” The judgment has been forwarded to the high court for confirmation, and Kishandas has 30 days to appeal the sentence.

Legal and Societal Implications

Public prosecutor Dinesh Paliwal labelled the ruling as “historic,” hoping it will serve as a warning against domestic violence and discrimination tied to skin color. He remarked, “A young woman in her early 20s was murdered brutally – she was someone’s sister, someone’s daughter, there were people who loved her. If we don’t save our daughters, then who would?”

Kishandas’s lawyer, Surendra Kumar Menariya, maintains that the incident was accidental and argues that there is no substantial evidence against his client, claiming that Kishandas has been falsely accused.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of colorism in India, where lighter skin is often preferred, resulting in discrimination against those with darker complexions. According to recent data, violence against women and girls in India is on the rise, with estimates suggesting that one in three women may experience violence from an intimate partner.

The societal implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, raising awareness of the intersection of domestic violence and colorism in a country striving for gender equality. As the legal process continues, it remains to be seen how this case will influence public perception and future legislation surrounding domestic violence and discrimination in India.